In a startling turn of events, Tantita Security Services, a company tasked with protecting Nigeria's oil pipelines whose contract just expired, has been accused of being at the center of a massive oil theft operation. This revelation comes from Ebikemen Tokowei of the Niger Delta People Mandate, who claims that the very organization meant to safeguard the nation's most valuable resource is, in fact, its biggest threat.

According to Tokowei, Nigeria's oil production has taken a significant hit in recent years. He recalls that during the presidencies of Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the country was producing over 2 million barrels per day (bpd). However, things changed dramatically when the late President Buhari appointed Mele Kyari to lead the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Tokowei alleges that under Kyari's leadership, the nation's crude oil production was effectively divided into two parts, with a substantial portion allegedly disappearing into the pockets of a select few. This system, he claims, continues to operate even after Kyari's departure, now under the watch of Mr. Bayo Ojulari.

The situation took an unexpected turn when Tantita Security Services, along with several related companies, was awarded the contract to secure oil pipelines. This move was initially seen as a step towards boosting the nation's economy by curbing illegal oil bunkering activities in the Niger Delta region. However, Tokowei argues that the reality has been far from expectations.

Despite the apparent crackdown on illegal activities in the creeks, Nigeria's oil production has remained stagnant at around 1.3 to 1.4 million bpd. This discrepancy has led Tokowei to conclude that the real theft is occurring not in the creeks, but on the high seas, allegedly orchestrated by Tantita Security Services in collaboration with NNPCL.

The accusations don't stop there. Tokowei claims that Tantita Security Services has been engaging in a campaign of deception and violence against innocent Niger Delta residents. He alleges that the company arrests people on false pretenses, imprisons them in private facilities, and in some cases, even resorts to killing to maintain their facade of effectiveness.

The activist also raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of one individual, referring to Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, who heads Tantita Security Services. Tokowei called on the federal government to redistribute pipeline security contracts across different stakeholders in various states rather than giving control to a single entity.

Furthermore, Tokowei demanded that the government investigate Mele Kyari for alleged corruption related to refinery repair funds. He also called for an inquiry into Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, chairman of Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, who he claims was involved in corrupt deals with Kyari.

These allegations come at a time when Nigeria, Africa's largest oil producer, has been struggling with declining oil production and widespread theft. The claims, if proven true, could have significant implications for the country's oil industry and economy.